RFI 2026-774-CHHS 988 and the Behavioral Health Crisis Continuum Implementation

The State hereby releases this Request for Information (RFI) to solicit information and best practices from the vendor community. The State intends to use the responses to help determine what is currently available in the marketplace and to gather information that may be useful in developing an efficient and effective procurement methodology including statement of works. The State understands that the data provided in this RFI is not sufficient to enable detailed analysis and costing by vendors.

CalHHS plans to procure expert consultation services to support CalHHS' capacity to implement the duties and responsibilities outlined in AB 173 and California law governing the implementation of the Miles Hall Lifeline and Suicide Prevention Act. Specific skills include subject matter expertise in 911-988 transfer protocols and best practices, leveraged, innovative, and comprehensive financing of crisis services, specifically mobile crisis services, and overall effective practices in implementing 988 systems including data and reporting strategies.

Vendor responses to this RFI should adhere to the Scope of Work tasks listed in the Exhibit A.

Section I - Vendor Information

• Identify the company name, address, city, state, and zip code, and telephone number.
• Indicate whether your company is a certified small business and/or a disabled veteran business enterprise.
• Identify the name, title, address, phone number, and email address of the primary contact person for this RFI.
• Provide a brief overview of your company including number of years in business, number of employees, nature of business, description of services, company vision, and description of clients.
• Identify any parent corporation and/or subsidiaries, if applicable.
• List any industry awards/recognition that you have received.

Section II - Proposed Scope of Work for 988 and the Behavioral Health Crisis Continuum Implementation Vendor Partner

CalHHS plans to procure expert consultation services to support CalHHS in our work to implement the duties and responsibilities outlined in AB 173 and California law governing the implementation of AB 988. [...] Qualified vendors should provide responses to the following questions:

• What are some of the key elements that need to be considered to develop effective statewide protocols for the transfer of calls and communications from 911 to 988 [...]?
• What are some key elements that need to be considered to develop comprehensive recommendations to sustainably fund mobile crisis responses in California? [...]
• With limited time and resources, how would you efficiently and effectively approach managing a 988 System Governance Board and a State 988 Policy Advisory Group? [...]
• What strategies would you use to balance subject matter expertise, local implementation experience, and the voices and perspectives of people with lived experience and advocates?
• Are there lessons learned from other states or local jurisdictions that CalHHS can use to implement its responsibilities under these new changes to AB 988? [...]
• What are some of the main tasks and services that should be considered in developing a scope of work for CalHHS 988 and the Behavioral Health Crisis Care Continuum duties and responsibilities? [...]
• How would you approach developing and completing the annual update on 988 implementation? [...]
• What is your experience with establishing data sharing agreements among state entities? [...]

Submittal Instructions

Responses from Vendors must be submitted via **e-mail** as follows:

• Indicate the RFI title in the subject line, "988 and the Behavioral Health Crisis Care Continuum Implementation".
• Submit responses to the State contact person listed in Section 6.
• Submit response documents in PDF and native (Word) format.
• Include information for the primary contact person: Name, Title, Address, Phone Number, and E-mail address, etc.
• Include with your response, a signed cover letter on company letterhead.

Vendors may submit questions for clarification of this RFI, via e-mail, by the specified date and time stated in the Key Action Dates.

This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The State is not responsible for any expenses associated with responding to this RFI.